‘I don’t think you’re worth it.’ The line has been well rehearsed in her head, but it loses conviction as it leaves her lips, even she doesn’t believe it. ‘It was a one-night thing,’ she adds weakly, like one-night things were a common part of her life.

‘Harsh, but okay then.’ Lewis crosses his arms over the books and looks at her. ‘Though I don’t see what the issue is. Emma’s not going to care what you’re doing here, while she’s in Africa.’

‘And you’re certain about that, are you? Is this a game for you?’

‘No. It’s not a game.’

‘Then why are trying to play two friends off against each other?’

‘I’m not.’

‘I shouldn’t even have let you in.’

‘But you did.’

‘I’m not doing it, Lewis, I’m not like that.’

‘Listen to me. I’m sorry I lost your number.’

She didn’t even know if this was what she wanted to hear. ‘You’re lying.’

‘I swear. I really wanted to call you. I only found your number again the night before the barbecue. We had fun together, Yvie. And I’m not just talking about sex. I’m talking about you. I like you.’ He’s close enough to take her hand in his. ‘Of course I would have called you.’

She shakes him away. If only things weren’t this complicated. If only Emma didn’t like him so much. If only Emma had never met him at all. ‘I can’t, Lewis.’ She feels him lean closer and knows she shouldn’t look up at him, that she’s not strong enough for it. She squeezes her eyes shut and puts a hand over her face. ‘I can’t. I can’t do it to Emma.’

But as he leans in to kiss her she doesn’t stop him. Doesn’t stop herself. Because, it’s him and despite everything she likes him more than she’s liked anyone before, so when he kisses her she lets it happen. But, no, Emma is her friend, her closest friend. She steps away, embarrassed.

‘What’s wrong?’ he asks.

And this is the problem, that to him it’s nothing, Emma’s nothing, her feelings are nothing. But to Yvonne it’s everything. ‘You should leave.’

It’s hard to tell if the disappointment on his face is because she’s saying no, or because he’s never been knocked back before.

‘You really want me to go?’ he asks.

More than anything she wants to lean into him, put her head on his chest and tell him to stay.

‘I get it. You’re loyal to your friend. But Emma and I,’ he shakes his head, ‘it was nothing.’

‘Is that really what you think?’

‘Emma was never looking for anything deep with me. She’s a good-time girl, right? She’s probably already moved onto another guy.’